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DIVISION OF BICULTURAL-BILINGUAL STUDIES

The Division of Bicultural-Bilingual Studies offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Mexican American Studies as well as Minors in Bicultural Studies and English as a Second Language. The B.A. in Mexican American Studies prepares students to enter graduate school or pursue a career as an educator, researcher, community leader, or community advocate. The division also offers courses that may be used to fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements or that may be taken as support courses for programs within the University or as electives. Courses in bicultural-bilingual studies offer students the opportunity to prepare for bilingual and/or second language teaching and give insights into bilingual and multicultural functions in society. Courses in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) offer students the opportunity to learn appropriate methods and strategies for teaching at the elementary, secondary, and adult levels. Courses are designed for students who plan to teach second languages, but are also designed for those who intend to teach in other areas or to enter fields that rely heavily on an understanding of language learning and bilingualism. In addition, the division offers advanced courses in English for international students that are appropriate for both graduate and undergraduate students.

The Division of Bicultural-Bilingual Studies offers coursework required for teacher certification in the area of bilingual education and ESL. Students seeking certification in this area should complete requirements for either the Early Childhood–Grade 4 Bilingual Generalist Certificate, the Grades 4–8 Bilingual Generalist Certificate, or the Grades 4–8 ESL Certificate.

DIVISION HONORS

The Division of Bicultural-Bilingual Studies awards Division Honors to certain outstanding students and provides the opportunity for advanced study under close faculty supervision.

Selection for honors designation is based on the student's academic performance and recommendation by the faculty of the student's major discipline. To be eligible for the program, students must have a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 at UTSA and a minimum grade point average of 3.5 in their major at UTSA. The minimum grade point averages must be maintained for students to receive the approval of the Division Honors Committee and the discipline faculty. Students applying for Division Honors are expected to enroll in the appropriate honors thesis course during their final two semesters. The completed thesis must be approved by the supervising faculty sponsor and another departmental faculty member. Students interested in this program should contact their professors for additional information.

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